Petershill co-boss Willie Patterson has received a boost with the news that striker Stephen McGladrigan will be fit for the start of the new season.

A long-term ankle problem led to the top scorer going under the knife in late May and it was felt he might struggle to be fully recovered in time to take part in his club's Euroscot Eng Sectional Cup games.

But the 29-year-old has made astonishing progress to confound co-bosses Patterson and Scott Smith by getting back on his feet and going on training runs to build up his fitness.

"We shouldn't be in the least bit surprised at Glad's recovery rate as he previously underwent cruciate ligament surgery yet was back training after four weeks recuperation," said Patterson.

"This ankle problem was long-standing and he wasn't able to train for almost a year-and-a-half but he continued to play through the pain in our games and still finished up as the Super Premier Division's second top scorer.

"The prospect of having Stephen fully fit is a major plus for us and a real concern for top-flight defences."

Among the newcomers Petershill fans can look forward to seeing in action are Paul McQuilken (Pollok), Gordon Dick (Cambuslang Rangers) and top amateur pair James McLuskey (Drumchapel United) and Jordan Chisholm (Glasgow Harp).

Patterson added: "Paul, Gordon and James will give us plenty of added drive and a goal threat from midfield, while young Jordan is a defender capable of playing anywhere across the back.

"And having long-term injured pair Stevie O'Keane and Richie Burke back feels like we have made another two new signings."

Patterson is keen to bring in more new players but wouldn't divulge names.

Looking a likely addition to the Peasy dressing room is St Anthony's striker Chris Mackie, who is at the heart of a transfer wrangle between the two Glasgow clubs which may take SJFA intervention to settle.

Petershill are also thought to be in pursuit of Shotts Bon Accord front man Andy Scott but face competition for his signature from Clydebank.

Losing their top-scoring marksman would come as a blow to the Ants, who have also lost Gary McGrath and Thomas Miller to First Division rivals Cambuslang Rangers, who have confirmed the further signings of Willie Kinniburgh (Irvine Meadow), Alan McFadden (Lanark United ) and Steven Wedlock (Yoker).

Elsewhere, Super Premier new boys Hurlford United have been left reeling over the shock resignation of manager Derek McCulloch.

Less than two weeks have elapsed since he took charge of the United side who lost 3-0 to Auchinleck Talbot in the Evening Times Champions Cup final.

Hurlford secretary John West who said: "We are sorry to announce that Derek and assistant Kevin Biggart have resigned their posts this week but they leave with the thanks of everyone connected with Hurlford United and our best wishes for their future.

"We as a club will now invite applications for the team manager post by asking in the first instance for interested parties to contact myself on 07827 383637."

Former Auchinleck Talbot and Junior Scotland ace McCulloch said: "Obviously I'm very disappointed not to have the chance to lead this Hurlford team into the Super Premier.

"There are some terrific people at Hurlford and I wish them and the club all the very best in the season ahead."